Experience:
I bought this 2013 Skate Banana after 4-6 years on different Ride, Rome's, Burton's, etc...and WOW. Shiny and pristine out of the box, I couldn't wait to take it to the mountain to see it rip. Built in Magnatraction technology helps you tear through ice without losing edges, it floats on powder like you were on Cloud 9! In the park, it's stiff enough to land those 20-30 footer jumps, but flexy enough to hit any box/rail, or even butter down to the entrance of the park. When in powder, you won't strain that back foot, as it is about 5.5/10 on the stiffness scale. It handles high speeds very well, without much board chattering and it feels like the most stable board that I have ever ridden!
Pricey, but worth every penny!